Firearm proximity alert system

ABSTRACT

A firearm proximity alert system includes a proximity alert application for execution on a smartphone or other processor enabled device. The proximity alert application generates a proximity alert icon on the display of the device and selectively generates an alert presentation screen on the display of the device. A beacon assembly is positioned along a firearm to create a beacon enabled firearm. The beacon enabled firearm includes a grip, a trigger, a safety switch, a power source, a beacon controller and a wireless communication unit for communicating with the proximity alert application. The wireless communication unit continuously or selectively broadcasts a signal to notify nearby devices of the presence of the beacon enabled firearm.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to firearm safety, and more particularly to a firearm proximity alert system.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

In recent years, the number of mass shootings has increased dramatically. Although there are ongoing efforts to attempt to restrict firearms from certain individuals via increased registration procedures and/or restrictions against sales, such efforts do nothing to warn potential victims that an unsecured firearm is nearby.

Although most advancements in firearms and firearm technology are geared toward the firearm itself, a notification system for potential victims is also needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a firearm proximity alert system. One embodiment of the present invention can include a proximity alert application for execution on a smartphone or other processor enabled device. The proximity alert application can function to generate a proximity alert icon on the display of the device and to selectively generate an alert presentation screen on the display of the device.

One embodiment of the present invention can also include a beacon assembly that is positioned along a firearm to create a beacon enabled firearm. The firearm includes a grip, a trigger, a safety switch, a power source, a beacon controller and a wireless communication unit for communicating with the proximity alert application.

In one embodiment, the wireless communication unit can broadcast a continuous signal to notify nearby devices of the presence of the beacon enabled firearm.

In one embodiment, the beacon assembly can further include a sensor that is communicatively linked between the firearm safety and the controller, and the wireless communication unit can selectively broadcast a signal to nearby devices when the firearm safety is in the FIRE position.

This summary is provided merely to introduce certain concepts and not to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a firearm proximity alert system that is useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a beacon enabled firearm device of the firearm proximity alert system, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of the internal controller of the firearm proximity alert system, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary presentation screen generated by the proximity alert application of the firearm proximity alert system, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the inventive arrangements in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.

DEFINITIONS

As described herein, a “unit” means a series of identified physical components which are linked together and/or function together to perform a specified function.

As described herein, the term “removably secured,” and derivatives thereof shall be used to describe a situation wherein two or more objects are joined together in a non-permanent manner so as to allow the same objects to be repeatedly joined and separated.

As described herein, the term “nearby” and “nearby device” are used to describe a processor enabled device that is located within the broadcast range of a beacon enabled firearm's transmitter so as to receive a wireless signal that is broadcast from the transmitter.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate one embodiment of a firearm proximity alert system 100 that are useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein. In each of the drawings, identical reference numerals are used for like elements of the invention or elements of like function. For the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for the description of the respective figure. For purposes of this description, the terms “upper,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1.

As described herein, the firearm proximity alert system 100 can function to warn or otherwise notify individuals of the presence of an unsecured firearm within a designated proximity. As shown at FIG. 1, one embodiment, the system 100 can include a firearm and beacon assembly 20 that can communicate wirelessly 15 with any number of nearby processor enabled devices 11 a-11 z that are running a proximity alert application 40.

In the illustrated embodiments, the processor enabled devices 11 a-11 z are shown as smartphones; however, this is for illustrative purposes only as any number or different types of processor enabled devices capable of receiving electronic signals and providing audio and/or visual information to a human operator can be utilized herein. Several nonlimiting examples include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth enabled mobile phones, tablet computers, portable computers, PDAs, portable music devices (MP3 players), and wearable devices such as smartphone watches, for example. Accordingly, the device and/or method steps are not to be construed as limiting in any manner.

In one embodiment, programming code for implementing the proximity alert application can be presented in the form of a mobile application (i.e., App) which can be preloaded onto a smartphone device or downloaded and installed as an application after purchase of the smartphone device. Of course, the inventive concepts disclosed herein are not to be construed as limiting to a smartphone App, as virtually any type of instruction sets, in any form of programming language that can be executed on any type of processor enabled device are also contemplated.

As is known in the art, processor-enabled devices such as those mentioned above generally include installed software adapted to generate user icons such the proximity alert icon 40, and to display same on the display screen of the device. An actuating means is provided for actuating the icon through use of a touch sensitive smartphone or tablet screen, and/or a keypad, for example. Selecting the proximity alert icon or enabling the same upon startup of the device can launch the system application wherein the below described presentation screens can be generated. Selecting the icon also activates the devices wireless communication unit such as a Bluetooth transceiver, for example.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a firearm and beacon assembly 20. As shown, the firearm 1 can include a firearm grip 2, a firearm receiver 3, a trigger 4 and a firearm safety switch 5. The firearm 1 can also include any number of other expected components such as a barrel, trigger guard, magazine, etc. Each of these components, their use and interoperability being well known in the art. Although illustrated with regard to a handgun, other types of firearms such as rifles and shotguns, for example, are also contemplated.

The electromechanical beacon components can be positioned within and/or along the above described firearm 1. In this regard, the beacon assembly can be constructed concurrently with the firearm 1 so as to form an integrated device or can be installed within an existing firearm after manufacture of the same. In either instance, the beacon assembly 20 can include a power source 21, an optional kinetic charger 22, a selector switch sensor 24 and a controller 30.

As described herein, the power source 21 can include any number of different batteries that are capable of providing the necessary power requirements to each element of the assembly 20. In one embodiment, the batteries can include or comprise one or more coin-type batteries such as model 2032 button-cell battery, for example, which is known to have an active discharge lifespan of up to 7 weeks. Of course, any number and type of other batteries such as various rechargeable Lithium-ion or NiMH batteries, for example can also be provided.

In one embodiment, the assembly 20 can include a charger, such as a kinetic charger 22 that is coupled to the power source 21 and that can translate movement of the assembly 20 into useable energy. One example of a suitable charger 22 is described in U.S. Patent Publication No: 2012/0319404, to Joseph, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference; of course, any number of other devices such as a charging port 21 b are also contemplated so as to supply power to recharge the onboard batteries.

In either instance, it is preferred that the power source 21 be positioned within the firearm 1 so as to be nonremovable by an end user. As such, one embodiment of the system can include a sealed cavity 23 that is formed within the grip 3 of the firearm 1. The cavity functioning to fully encompass the power source 21, and including an aperture for allowing electrical connections between the device components.

As described herein, the selector switch sensor 24 can include any number of devices capable of detecting movement of the firearm safety switch 5 transitioning from a SAFE position to a FIRE position. In one embodiment, the sensor 24 can include an inductive proximity sensor that is positioned adjacent to the shaft of the firearm safety switch, and can function to detect the lateral movement of the switch 5 as it is moved from a SAFE position to a FIRE position. Of course, any number of other types of sensors, including physical contact/pressure sensors, for example, can also be provided.

The controller 30 can be electrically connected to the above noted elements and can function to control an operation of the beacon assembly. In the preferred embodiment, the controller 30 can also be positioned within the firearm 1 so as to be nonremovable by an end user. As such, one embodiment of the system can include a sealed cavity 25 that is preferably formed within or adjacent to the firearm receiver 3. The second cavity functioning to fully encompass the controller 30 and including an aperture for allowing electrical connections between the device components.

As shown at FIG. 3, the controller 30 can include a processor 31 that is conventionally connected to a memory 32, a communication unit 33, and a component interface unit 34. Although illustrated as separate elements, those of skill in the art will recognize that one or more system components may be, or may include, one or more printed circuit boards (PCB) 30 a, containing an integrated circuit or circuits for completing the activities described herein, and the CPU may be one or more integrated circuits having firmware for causing the circuitry to complete the activities described herein. Additionally, one or more of the controller elements may also be arranged as a completely separate element that is communicatively linked to the processor.

The processor/CPU 31 can act to execute program code stored in the memory 32 in order to allow the device to perform the functionality described herein. Processors are extremely well known in the art; therefore no further description will be provided.

Memory 32 can act to store operating instructions in the form of program code for the processor 31 to execute. Although illustrated in FIG. 3 as a single component, memory 32 can include one or more physical memory devices such as, for example, local memory and/or bulk storage devices. As used herein, local memory can refer to random access memory or other non-persistent memory device(s) generally used during actual execution of program code, whereas a bulk storage device can be implemented as a persistent data storage device containing programs or other sets of instructions that permit the processor to perform the functionality described herein.

The communication unit 33 can include any number of devices capable of broadcasting a wireless signal 15 to a smartphone or other externally located processor enabled device. In one preferred embodiment, the communication unit can include a Bluetooth transceiver for communicating a wireless signal at least 15 to 30 feet, that can be detected by any processor enabled device within that area that is running a proximity alert App 40. Of course, any number of other known transmission mechanisms, communication protocols and/or signal distances are also contemplated. Several nonlimiting examples include radio transmitters, RFID signals, and/or WIFI signals, for example.

The component interface 34 can function to provide a communicative link between the processor 31 and various other device components such as the selector switch sensor 23, power source 21, and/or kinetic charger 22, for example. In this regard, the component interface unit can include any number of different components such as one or more PIC microcontrollers, internal bus, USB connections and other such hardware capable of providing a direct link between the various components. Of course, any other means for providing the two-way communication between beacon components can also be utilized herein.

In one embodiment, the system 100 can function wherein beacon enabled firearms 20 continuously broadcast a wireless signal that can be detected by any processor enabled device running the below described app 40 within the signal area of the beacon transmitter. Such a feature can provide a non-emergency type warning to nearby devices of the presence of a firearm in their vicinity, and to allow the users to move away from a potential source of danger.

In one embodiment, the system 100 can function wherein the beacon enabled firearm 20 selectively broadcasts a wireless signal representing a potential emergency situation upon the occurrence of a specific event. For example, when the sensor 24 of a beacon enabled firearm 20 detects the safety switch 5 is depressed into the FIRE position, the processor 31 can immediately instruct the communication unit 33 to begin broadcasting an emergency wireless signal 15. Such a feature providing an urgent warning to nearby individuals (i.e., those within the range of the beacon's wireless transmitter) that an unsecured firearm is in the vicinity and that an active shooter situation may be imminent.

As shown at FIG. 4, upon receiving a wireless signal from a beacon enabled firearm, the App 40 can provide any type of audio-visual warnings to a device user. These warnings can be customized by the user or can be uniquely generated by the App so as to not be confused with other types of notifications produced by a smartphone. In either instance, the App can activate the smartphones' speaker 12 a to produce an audible siren or other alarm, and/or the smartphones' light 12 b to produce a constant or strobe effect.

In one embodiment, the App can be encoded with instructions for immediately generating a presentation screen on the smartphone display 12 c to provide additional information. This information can include, for example, a type of warning 41 or 42 and/or an approximate location 43 of the firearm 20 based on the strength of the received signal. Such a feature can enable a device user to quickly move away from the firearm.

Although described and illustrated as displaying certain types of information, those of skill in the art will recognize that the system 100 can be configured to display any number of different information without undue experimentation, and without deviating from the scope and spirit of the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

Accordingly, the above described firearm proximity alert system 100 provides individuals with advance notice that a firearm is nearby and can also alert the individuals if/when the nearby firearm is in a FIRE mode.

As described herein, one or more elements of the beacon enabled firearm 20 can be secured together utilizing any number of known attachment means such as, for example, screws, glue, compression fittings and welds, among others. Moreover, although the above embodiments have been described as including separate individual elements, the inventive concepts disclosed herein are not so limiting. To this end, one of skill in the art will recognize that one or more individually identified elements may be formed together as one continuous element, either through manufacturing processes, such as welding, casting, or molding, or through the use of a singular piece of material milled or machined with the aforementioned components forming identifiable sections thereof.

As to a further description of the manner and use of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a system, method or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon.

Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user's smartphone, partly on the user's smartphone, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's smartphone and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's smartphone through any type of network, including a cellular network connection, a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 

1. A firearm proximity alert system, comprising: a proximity alert application that includes machine readable instructions for execution on a processor enabled device having a memory, a wireless transceiver, and a display, said application functioning to generate a proximity alert icon on the display, and selectively generate an alert information presentation screen on the display; and a beacon enabled firearm device that includes functionality for communicating with the processor enabled device and for transmitting information to the proximity alert application.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the beacon enabled firearm device comprises: a firearm having a grip, a trigger and a safety switch; and a beacon assembly that includes a power source, a controller and a wireless communication unit.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the wireless communication unit is configured to continuously broadcast a wireless signal for detection by the processor enabled device.
 4. The device of claim 2, further comprising: a sensor that is communicatively linked to each of the safety switch and the controller, said sensor including functionality for detecting a movement of the safety switch between a SAFE position and a FIRE position.
 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the wireless communication unit is configured to selectively broadcast a wireless signal for detection by the processor enabled device.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the signal is broadcast upon the sensor detecting the safety switch is in the FIRE position.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the power source includes at least one battery.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein each of the at least one battery are rechargeable. 